Mar 5, 2009
by Steve Smith
More cuts came down at the Star-Telegram this morning. According to a memo sent by publisher Gary Wortel to all employees, the S-T will:
Reduce workforce by 12 percent, including voluntary and involuntary layoffs. Word is that effected employees are already being notified.
Implement a wage reduction for employees whose compensation exceeds $25,000 annually. $25,000 to $49,999 will receive a 2.5 percent reduction, $50,000 to $99,999 will receive a 5 percent reduction and over $100,000 will receive a 10 percent reduction.
Eliminate senior management bonuses have been eliminated for 2009 and reduced advertising sales management compensation.
Plan for a one-week unpaid furlough program in the second half of 2009.
Tags: star-telegram
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6 Comments, Comments or Pings
Sonja
This is bad news, but not unexpected. There is something really unnerving about watching the precariousness of the newspaper’s position, with new reports coming of layoffs and bad reports to stockholders on Twitter every time I turn around.
I have to admit I’m a little scared and sad that it’s now being said that the newspapers, which my father used to praise at the “educated” way to get news, as opposed to TV which was for the hoi polloi, are perhaps going under. Nevertheless, I must have participated in their demise, because I stopped subscribing a few years back. Why was it? It was not that you could get news online. It was that I felt they did not cover life as i knew it. It was always crime, national politics, opinion essays about intractable topics such as medical care, illegal drugs, social security funding and abortion rights … what did it have to do with me, really?
So maybe I’m part of the problem. Or maybe they let me down. I’m not sure, and I’m not sure I should be writing this. But i did, and now I’m clicking ’submit.’
Mar 5th, 2009
Ann
My son went to the Star Telegram today on a 1st grade class field trip and had a great time. He came home full of news about what he learned. I’m sorry to hear about more cuts. I am a loyal reader daily.
Mar 6th, 2009
Andy
My source has them terminating six of the dozen staff photographers. That is a big loss. Those that remain will be driving all over the metroplex! Price rising, paper shrinking, staff cuts…How long before it’s the Dallas/Fort Worth Morning News, and there is NO Startelgram? Sigh…
Mar 7th, 2009
Mel
Just found this on the Time website.
http://www.time.com/time/business/article/0,8599,1883785,00.html
It’s so unfortunate. Even with all the problems this form of media is having, I just don’t see how we can call ourselves a major metropolitan city without having a major newspaper. Or any of the other cities on this list for that matter.
Mar 9th, 2009
Nancy Pearson
It is nice to hear from so many that feel for the employees of the Star..both my brothers have been with them almost 30 years:my sis, brother-in-law, his dad, and a sister-in-law have worked there..this is hard..
Mar 11th, 2009
Recyclican
Just want to make a shout out to Sandra Baker, FW-ST reporter over Fort Worth topics. Three cheers for her fine reporting, and glad to hear she’s still around!
Mar 11th, 2009
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